Is there anything better than the sweet, juicy taste of a freshly picked strawberry, still warm from the sun? Growing your own strawberries is not only rewarding but also a fantastic way to enjoy better-tasting fruit than you’ll typically find in the supermarket. Whether you’re a gardening novice or a seasoned green thumb, strawberries are a joy to grow, and with the right care, you can enjoy a season-long supply of these delicious berries. Let’s explore how to grow strawberries at home, from choosing the best UK varieties to harvesting the juiciest fruits.
The Best Strawberry Varieties to Grow
The UK climate is perfect for growing strawberries, but selecting the right variety can make all the difference. Here are some of the most popular and reliable options to consider:
- Cambridge Favourite
A classic variety that thrives in the UK, Cambridge Favourite produces medium-sized, sweet strawberries and is highly reliable, even in cooler conditions.
- Honeoye
This early-season variety is known for its excellent yield and strong, tangy flavour. It’s a great choice if you want to get your strawberry season off to a quick start.
- Elsanta
Often found on supermarket shelves, Elsanta is a high-yielding and flavoursome choice. While it can be vulnerable to disease, careful attention and good growing conditions can make it an excellent homegrown option.
- Mara des Bois
For something a little special, this perpetual variety offers smaller, intensely fragrant berries with a wild strawberry-like flavour. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of luxury.
It’s ideal to plant a variety of early, mid, and late-season strawberries to extend your harvesting period and make the most of the summer.
How to Enjoy Season-Long Strawberry Picking
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have strawberries for weeks on end? The secret lies in staggering your planting and choosing varieties that ripen at different times. Here’s how to plan for a season-long harvest:
- Plant Early Season Varieties
Start with early varieties like Honeoye to enjoy strawberries as early as late May.
- Add Midseason Varieties
Include midseason favourites like Cambridge Favourite, which ripen in June, to keep the momentum going.
- Extend with Perpetual Varieties
Lastly, plant perpetual varieties, like Mara des Bois, which produce fruit from mid-summer all the way to autumn.
This mix ensures that you’ll have a steady stream of strawberries rather than a single overwhelming harvest.
When to Grow Strawberries
Strawberries are best planted in late summer or early autumn, giving them enough time to establish roots before winter sets in. However, if you’ve missed this window, don’t worry. Spring planting is also an option, although your plants may take a little longer to produce fruit.
- Late Summer/Early Autumn
Planting in late August or September allows the plants to settle in before the winter months, ensuring strong growth in spring.
- Spring Planting
If planting in the spring, be sure to choose bare-root plants or potted runners and give them plenty of water to kickstart their growth.
For those lacking space in the garden, strawberries grow wonderfully in containers or hanging baskets, making them an excellent choice for patios or balconies.
Caring for Your Strawberry Plants
Strawberry plants aren’t overly demanding, but caring for them correctly ensures tastier, more abundant harvests. Follow these tips:
- Positioning
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Strawberries thrive on sunlight, so aim for at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Feeding
Feed your plants with a high-potassium fertiliser, such as tomato feed, once flowers start to appear. This encourages fruit production.
- Watering
Strawberries need consistent watering, especially during fruiting. However, avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot.
- Mulching
Strawberries positioned on bare soil can rot. Add a layer of straw, wood chips or black polythene under the plants to protect the fruit, retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Weed Management
Strawberries hate competition from weeds, so keep the soil around the plants weed-free.
Tips for the Tastiest Strawberries
If you’re after strawberries bursting with flavour, a few simple tricks can make a big difference:
- Choose the Right Soil
Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Test your soil and amend it if necessary.
- Plant Them in the Right Spot
Strawberries grown in sunny, sheltered areas develop the best flavour. Ensure they have adequate space for airflow to prevent fungal diseases.
- Enrich the Soil
Incorporate well-rotted compost or manure into the soil before planting to provide the nutrients essential for growth.
- Remove Runners
While tempting, it’s best to remove runners (the long stems producing new plants) during the growing season. This will concentrate the plant’s energy on producing larger, tastier fruit.
- Pick Regularly
Regular harvesting encourages more fruit production. Don’t allow overripe fruit to remain on the plant, as it can attract pests.
When to Harvest Your Strawberries
Harvesting your strawberries at the perfect time is key to enjoying their delicious flavour. Look for fully red, glossy berries that are firm to the touch. Gently pluck the fruit by the stem, rather than pulling, to avoid damaging the plant.
Most varieties ripen over a window of one to two weeks, so check your plants daily during peak harvesting times. Once picked, strawberries are best eaten fresh but can also be frozen, turned into jam, or used for baking if you find yourself with a surplus.
Get Started With Your Own Strawberry Patch
Growing strawberries at home is a joy, offering a sweet reward for your efforts. With the right varieties, care, and attention, you can enjoy sun-kissed strawberries throughout the growing season.
Whether you’re transforming a corner of your garden into a strawberry patch or filling an array of hanging baskets, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of growing your own fruit. Why not get started today and experience the unbeatable taste of homegrown strawberries?
Further Reading: How to Grow Beans, How to Grow Broccoli, A Guide to Growing Broad Beans this Spring
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